Workshop: NADDC, SSC Partner to Bridge Skills Gap in Automotive Sector
By Yahaya Idris, Lafia
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Jelani Aliyu, has highlighted the ongoing transformation in the global automotive industry, stressing the urgent need to equip Nigeria’s workforce with relevant technical skills.
He made this known on Monday at the opening of a one-day training workshop organised by NADDC in collaboration with the Sector Skills Council (SSC), held at the New Keffi Hotel in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Represented by Mrs. Onireti Joke, the NADDC boss commended the SSC for facilitating the strategic engagement, noting that the establishment of Sector Skills Councils for the automotive industry in 2016—following approval by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)—has significantly strengthened skills development efforts in the sector.
He explained that SSCs are employer-led bodies comprising industry professionals, technical experts, academia, and other critical stakeholders. According to him, their responsibilities include developing and reviewing National Occupational Standards (NOS), promoting workforce development, shaping training and certification processes, addressing identified skills gaps, and expanding opportunities within the industry.
Otunba Aliyu observed that the evolving automotive landscape presents Nigeria with vast opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, investment inflows, and improved energy efficiency.
However, he emphasised that these prospects depend largely on the availability of competent manpower with the technical expertise required to operate, maintain, and service emerging technologies.
He further underscored the importance of recently approved National Occupational Standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), describing them as critical frameworks for competency-based training, certification, and quality assurance in the automotive sector.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, represented by Abdulwahab Ahmed Hassan II of the ITF Area Office, Lafia, lauded NADDC for fostering industrial development through collaboration with the SSC.
He disclosed that the ITF is currently implementing a training initiative tagged Super Skills for Artisans, noting that skills acquisition remains a vital asset in today’s global economy.
“Skill is the currency of the modern world. With the right skills, individuals can unlock limitless opportunities. Our participation in this programme aligns with our ongoing Super Artisans initiative,” he said.
In an interview, the President of the Sector Skills Council, Engr. Best Nnodim, commended the Federal Government for its sustained engagement with key sectors through policies that encourage growth and development.
He explained that the SSC serves as the coordinating body for training and standardisation within the automotive industry, ensuring that best practices are upheld nationwide.
“As stakeholders, we play a central role in shaping how the sector operates. We are directly involved in training delivery and in developing the National Occupational Standards, which essentially serve as the industry’s curriculum,” he said.
Engr. Nnodim expressed appreciation to NADDC, ITF, academic institutions, and other stakeholders for their active participation in the workshop, describing the collaboration as vital to closing the skills gap in the automotive sector.
